Beloved Canadian icon Céline Dion delighted fans with a surprise video message during the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals, reflecting on the event that launched her to global fame. The Charlemagne, Quebec-born superstar, who won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, appeared in a pre-recorded segment aired Tuesday night.
Dion, now 57, expressed deep gratitude for the competition and for Switzerland, this year’s host country. “Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart,” she said. “It’s a country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be a part of something so extraordinary.”
Canadians watching the international competition felt a wave of nostalgia as Dion praised Eurovision as “life-changing.” The Canadian songstress, who represented Switzerland at just 20 years old, claimed victory in 1988 by a single point over the UK. Her win paved the way to international superstardom, inspiring countless Canadian artists.
The moment grew even more emotional as four of last year’s contestants—Jerry Heil, iolanda, Marina Satti, and Silvester Belt—performed Dion’s winning song while drones illuminated the Swiss sky. Ukrainian singer Jerry Heil later thanked Dion on social media, calling it a “dream” to sing her legendary song.
Dion, who has been battling stiff person syndrome since her diagnosis in 2022, limited her public appearances and canceled her 2023 Courage world tour. However, she made a triumphant return last summer with a powerful performance at the Eiffel Tower during the Paris Olympics, sparking hope among fans of a full comeback.
In a candid interview with CBC’s Adrienne Arsenault, Dion discussed how the neurological disorder affected her voice and body, saying, “I’ll sing again” has become her personal mantra. Despite her health challenges, her presence at Eurovision once again inspired audiences around the world, especially Canadians who continue to see her as a national treasure.
The Eurovision finals, hosted in Basel, Switzerland, are set for Saturday. Thirty-seven countries are competing, with anticipation building—even without a confirmed performance from Dion herself.
Source: Swifteradio.com
